North African Chicken and Rice

Name: North African Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds); 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1 cup golden raisins; 1/2 to 1 cup chopped pitted green olives; 1 medium lemon, sliced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth or water; 4 cups hot cooked brown rice

I'm always looking to try recipes from different cultures, and this one is a HUGE favorite. We love the spice combinations. This cooks equally well in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Ingredients

1 medium onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup golden raisins
1/2 to 1 cup chopped pitted green olives
1 medium lemon, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth or water
4 cups hot cooked brown rice

Directions

In a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker, combine onion and oil. Place chicken thighs on top of onion; sprinkle with next seven ingredients. Top with raisins, olives, lemon and garlic. Add broth. Cook, covered, on low until chicken is tender, 4-5 hours. Serve with hot cooked rice.

Test Kitchen tips

Heavily spiced with a mixture of interesting ingredients, the cuisine from North Africa may be a bit unfamiliar, but we know you'll fall in love with the interesting "new" flavor combinations.

If olives aren't your favorite, don't leave them out entirely but go with 1/2 cup. They add a nice underlying flavor as well as a little saltiness to the dish.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 386 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.

Originally published as Moroccan Chicken & Rice in Taste of Home December 2017

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Tiffany

Feb 23, 2018

I followed this recipe exactly, other than subbing boneless skinless chicken for thighs, and it was awful! The combination of spices didn’t work well together at all, and the raisins didn’t taste right with the olives. Of my 4 person family, no one liked it, and most of us couldn’t eat more than a few bites. I’m baffled as to how this recipe has such great reviews.
beach033

Jan 22, 2018

This went over well with my family. I might add more raisins next time. The leftovers worked very well packed as lunches for work.
BilliePock

Jan 19, 2018

This is delicious! A wonderful, unique combination of flavors and spices. I made this as it is written. I will be making it again and sharing the rec8.
ReneeMurby

Jan 16, 2018

Nice Spice Mix with an International feel. I substituted with boneless, skinless breast and extra-long grain rice. I WILL make this again and use the chicken thighs and try a Jasmine rice. I love this recipe. It's exotic, filling and so delicious!
lou

Jan 1, 2018

Easy and delish! Great to freeze for later, too.